By Felicia Udeji
In a surprising twist to a long-running public controversy, Nigerian actress Halima Abubakar has issued an apology to Apostle Johnson Suleman. This comes after months of back-and-forth accusations and legal battles, culminating in her recent suspension from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) for spreading rumors about her colleagues.
Abubakar, who had previously accused the popular pastor of causing her health problems, was ordered by a court to pay ₦10 million in damages for defamation earlier this year. The actress had taken to social media with explosive claims about her relationship with Suleman, igniting public scrutiny and sparking widespread debate.
Her apology is seen as an attempt to mend fences after a long period of controversy. The AGN suspended Abubakar after she allegedly shared false information with bloggers, further tarnishing her reputation within the industry. The Guild cited her actions as unprofessional and damaging to the organization and its members. In response, Abubakar’s apology to Suleman appears to be a step toward repairing the damage, not just to her career, but to her public image as well.
The build-up to this apology has been marked by intense drama. After her initial accusations, Suleman denied all claims and took legal action, which eventually led to the court’s defamation ruling. During this time, Abubakar remained vocal, accusing the pastor of contributing to her declining health. However, the public and legal pressure surrounding the case may have led her to reconsider her stance.
Although Abubakar has extended her apology to Suleman, it remains unclear whether the cleric or the AGN will accept her attempts to reconcile. The AGN has yet to comment on whether her suspension will be lifted following this gesture.
This development brings a potential end to one of Nollywood’s most talked-about controversies, though its full resolution is still unfolding.